Simwonsa Temple (Taebaek)

Simwonsa Temple, located in Taebaek, is a branch temple of Woljeongsa Temple, the head temple of the 4th Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded by Wonhyo (617–686) during the Silla period and was originally called Simjeoksa Temple. In 1947, it was burned down during the suppression of communist guerrillas, and the abbot at the time reportedly removed and stored a Buddhist statue, two Buddhist ritual objects, two bells, and a pair of candleholders. In 1953, the temple was rebuilt at its current location and renamed Simwonsa. The buildings include Gwaneumjeon Hall and the monks' quarters. Inside Gwaneumjeon, there is a seated statue of the Tathagata, which is a rare form with an unusually large head compared to the body and a protruding lower abdomen. It is presumed to be a Buddhist statue from the Joseon period.